Some More News Some More News: Should the Government Be Run "Like A Business"?
Jul 16, 2025
The discussion kicks off by questioning the idea that governments should mimic businesses, specifically critiquing figures like Trump and Musk. It emphasizes how profit motives clash with the government’s duty to ensure citizen welfare. Humorously, it highlights the absurdity of privatizing public services, using examples like the postal service. The potential dangers of treating essential services as profit-driven are explored, revealing negative impacts on safety and accessibility. Ultimately, it advocates for a focus on effective public service delivery rather than mere efficiency.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Government Isn't A Business
- The government is fundamentally different from a business with different purposes and priorities.
- Applying business models to government functions often leads to inefficiency and inequity, not improvement.
Chicago's Parking Meter Privatization
- Chicago sold its 36,000 parking meters to a private company for $1.2 billion in 2008.
- The company raised parking prices drastically and charged the city for blocked spaces during road work.
Private Fire Services Create Inequity
- Private fire departments create a tiered system favoring the wealthy and may compromise public safety.
- Public fire services funded by taxes ensure equal emergency response, unlike subscription-based private models.